Severe storms with high winds, hail expected to roll into Triangle, central NC Sunday

Severe storms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes are expected to blow through central North Carolina, including the Triangle, on Sunday, the National Weather Service says.

The first of two storm systems is expected to arrive Sunday morning, and the NWS says residents should brace for damaging winds and possible tornadoes.

A second set of storms are expected Sunday afternoon, also potentially delivering damaging winds and adding large hail to the mix, according to a hazardous weather outlook the weather service issued Saturday.

The storms are expected to affect Wake, Durham, Chatham, Johnston, Moore, Lee, Franklin, Nash, Wilson, Harnett and Wayne counties.

Saturday evening is expected to be warm and calm, with rain arriving after midnight. The storms are expected to be in the area until late Sunday night, bringing a 90% chance of rain and winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 24 mph.

Up to an inch of rain is possible.

The storms are expected to clear the area by around 11 p.m. Sunday, leading to a clear and cooler Monday. After a high temperature around 80 on Saturday, Sunday’s high is supposed to be in the mid-70s, then in the upper 60s on Monday.

The weather could affect this Sunday’s Durham Bulls home game, with first pitch scheduled for 5:05 p.m.

Several storms have rolled through the southeastern United States in recent days, with hail damage reported in Florida and Texas.

To stay alert of severe weather in the area, Weather.com recommends people have “multiple ways of receiving watches and warnings” from the National Weather Service.